My Father, who was one of the greatest men ever, recently passed away on December 6th 2008. To try and put into words the type of person he was, is truly impossible. He was warmest, kindest, most unselfish person you could possibly imagine. He'd do anything for anyone at anytime. My Dad put others first no matter what circumstances, and he was the most positive person the world had ever seen. No matter what difficulty or hardship that life threw at him, he woke up every single day with a renewed spirit and a positive attitude. I like to remember my father as resilient, because he never gave up, ever. He loved his family more than life itself. My Sister Denise, my brother Brian, and his grandkids, Bryce and Kyla, were his #1 priority. But most importantly, he loved and cherished his wife of 38 years, my incredible mother Melody. Looking back at his life now I truly feel in my heart that he was an Angel, and that his passing served a purpose. As hard as it’s been dealing with his early and unexpected death, I can't tell you how much I've taken away from it. Everything my father embodied has now been passed on to me, and I feel this pressure to be a better person every day. I feel his presence still with me constantly, looking over my shoulder, and making sure that I'm safe. I know that I’m far from perfect, and that I’ve made a million bad choices in my life. I’ve treated people poorly, and have been selfish no doubt. However, with the passing of my father I know that now is a better time than ever to try and become the best person possible. I’m now motivated to make more/better music. I’m now motivated to be there for my family like never before. I’m now motivated to be a better person overall.
I make my best songs when I feel compelled and inspired to write, and with the two most incredible parents of all time, I certainly felt compelled to let my parents know how I felt. I’m not sure what age I was in my life when I realized how good I really had it, how lucky I was to have my mom and dad. Looking back on my life, to say ‘I’m blessed’ is an understatement. I’m the luckiest son ever. I’m so glad I made these songs for my friends and family to continue listening to, but that’s what I envisioned when I wrote them; my parents and my friends being able to listen to it and cry tears of joy throughout their life. I make my music for them. Getting ‘hated on’ is typical and expected. I don’t expect shallow narrow minded people to ‘get’ my music. My favorite line in the ‘Thank You’ song is where I say “No matter what I was doing, whatever career your son was pursuing, you loved me”. In the end, that’s all that really matters. My parents loved and supported us no matter what. What else can you possibly ask for from your parents? 
I wanted my dad to fully understand the magnitude that his undying love has impacted me. He did everything right, from the way he raised me to the values he instilled in me at a young age and throughout my entire life. I still can see dad’s face and hear his voice steering me in the right direction whether it was financially or morally. I can remember so many specific times when he told me things I’ll never forget. I learned so much from him, and as much as I hate to admit it, I’m an exact clone of my father in so many ways. I’m working on being as great a man as he was and I have a ways to go. I hope my parents, friends, and fans can find comfort in my songs, knowing that my dad got to listen to them and loved them so much. I told my parents when I gave them that “Thank You” song that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to top that gift. I still don’t think I can. I’m so grateful I got to make those songs and tell my dad exactly how I felt about him. “Look in Your Eyes”, “On The Road”, and “Simple Man” are a reflection of my father. They were his favorite songs. I’m so happy he got to listen to and love those tracks before he went. I have closure. And to my mother, I love you more than you’ll ever know. I only pray that I can be half the man my father was.
Lastly, I want to encourage all my listeners to BECOME A DONOR. My father saved over 30 people’s lives and I can’t make this up. Two blind people were able to see for the first time because my father donated his corneas. He donated his skin to U.S soldiers who had been burned in Iraq. He donated all of his bone marrow as well. If you are not a donor, please become one. The time is now. Why not give life to others?
Hey there, I recently added you as friends on myspace. I lost my father when I was 21. He died from complications of colon cancer. Its been almost 6 years now and I still have not fully grieved. I miss him terribly and I too understand how much I have lost. He was my confidant, he understood me better than anyone and I took that for granted and never told him how much he meant to me. No matter what age you are when you lose a parent it hurts. My father wanted me to go to college, instead I got pregnant and married at 17. He still told me it was never too late to go and that he would support me when I did decide to go. Unfortunately that dream came too late for him to see, but in September I enrolled in college. Not only for me, but as a last wish for my dad. I hope he is watching and is proud of me for this accomplishment and I am going to stick with it because of him.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck in your music career, its a tough business but you are amazing and I believe in you! I also invite you to view my blog here on blogspot. I am onelupiegirl.blogspot.com
It is a story of my life with Lupus Nephritis, my ups and downs and struggles to deal with a disease that has no cure. At 27 I am looking at only 10-15 more years on this earth and in that time I, like you, hope to raise awareness so that others may survive this disease. My youngest daughter is at high risk of having this disease herself and I pray every day for her that they will find a cure.
Thanks for reading this and I look forward to viewing many more of your blogs!